Information system analysis and design Dr. Dina Tbaishat

Recap Last lecture we looked at the concept of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods We started with sampling Today we shall look at interviews as data collection method

Interviews Very popular in real life; job interview, police interview, media interview, and more The research interview however is a data collection method that can be used in both quantitative and qualitative analysis There are more than one type of interviews; structured (closed-ended), semi-structured, unstructured (open- ended) and focus groups

The structured interview is the only type of interviews used in survey research – quantitative research in general All other interview types are more used with qualitative research In structured interviews each respondent receives exactly the same interview, and the interview questions are specific and may offer the interviewee a range of answers Therefore it follows a schedule in a certain frame

The structured interview is typically used in survey research since it provides standardization of both asked questions and recorded answers, this in turn reduces the error There are some sources of error in survey research, these are: Poorly worded question The way the interviewer asks the question The interviewee misunderstanding the question The way the interviewer records information

In a semi-structured interview, the interviewer has a set of questions and an interview schedule but where it is possible to change the sequence of questions In an unstructured interview (open- ended), the interviewer has a list of topics (interview guide) that should be covered, but the interview is informal, and the phrasing and sequencing of questions will vary from one interview to another depending on the context

In focus-groups interviews, interviewees are asked open questions about a specific situation relevant to them, where members of a group discuss the topic together When interviewing make sure you: Know the schedule (interview guide) Introduce the research before you start Get to know the interviewees, and they know you ! Record the answers, if possible

How to interview? Personal face-to-face Telephone Videoconferencing Personal (face to face) might be the best since it finds out about experiences, attitudes, emotions, perceptions and actions, but telephone / videoconferencing is more cost effective

Interviews advantages Can easily verify information Helps communication More personal Provides a lot of information and more useful information can be elicited Un-thought of questions can be included as it allows flexibility

Interviews disadvantages Time consuming Bias might appear Respondents might say what they think you want to hear Leading the interviewee Difficult to replicate in same manner (to say on the same track)

References Bryman, A. (2004). Social Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press De Vaus, D. (2002). Surveys in Social Research. London: Routledge.